Culture & History#2

Walk the Old City's Four Quarters

העיר העתיקה

Jerusalem's Old City is one square kilometer of the most historically significant real estate on Earth. Enclosed within Ottoman-era walls built by Suleiman the Magnificent in the 1530s, it is divided into four distinct quarters — Jewish, Christian, Muslim, and Armenian — each with its own character, architecture, and atmosphere. The narrow limestone alleys connect sites sacred to three world religions, bustling markets, hidden courtyards, and ancient churches, mosques, and synagogues. Walking from the Jewish Quarter's broad stone plazas through the souk's covered passageways to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is a journey through 3,000 years of continuous human history.

Wikimedia Commons

Jawny80 at English Wikipedia (Public domain)

View full Israel map

Don't Miss

Enter through Jaffa Gate and walk the ramparts for panoramic views
Browse the colorful Arab market (shuk) in the Muslim Quarter
See the Cardo — the ancient Roman main street, now partially restored
Visit the Hurva Synagogue with its striking white dome
Walk the Via Dolorosa, the path Jesus walked to crucifixion

The Four Quarters

The Jewish Quarter, rebuilt after 1967, features broad stone streets, archaeological gardens, and the ancient Cardo — the main commercial street from the Byzantine period. The Christian Quarter centers on the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Christianity's holiest site, and includes monasteries, pilgrim hostels, and shops selling olive-wood carvings. The Muslim Quarter, the largest and most densely populated, is home to the Via Dolorosa and a vibrant market selling spices, sweets, and textiles. The Armenian Quarter, the smallest and most private, contains the Cathedral of St. James and a community that has maintained its presence here for 1,600 years.

Tips for Exploring the Old City

The Old City is best explored on foot — vehicles cannot enter the narrow streets. Wear comfortable walking shoes as the stone paths can be slippery. Start early in the morning to avoid crowds and heat. Friday is the Muslim holy day (many shops close at noon), Saturday is the Jewish Sabbath (the Jewish Quarter is quiet), and Sunday is when Christian sites may have special services. The Old City is roughly divided into quadrants but there are no formal borders between the quarters — the transitions happen naturally as you walk.